In the ever-evolving world of digital photography, trends come and go, but one aesthetic has recently taken the internet by storm: The Glow Effect. Whether you call it “Dreamy Diffusion,” “Soft Orton,” or “Neon Glow,” this look adds a layer of ethereal magic to your photos that raw captures simply can’t match.
With the latest updates in Adobe Lightroom, achieving this high-end look has become easier than ever. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to use the new Lightroom Glow Effect presets to transform your portraits, street photography, and landscapes into cinematic masterpieces.
Why the “Glow” Trend is Dominating 2026
Visual storytelling in 2026 is all about emotion and atmosphere. We are moving away from the ultra-sharp, clinical look of early digital sensors and moving toward a nostalgic, film-like haziness. The “Glow” effect mimics high-end Pro-Mist filters and vintage Leica lenses, creating:
- Skin Smoothing: Naturally hides imperfections by diffusing highlights.
- Atmospheric Depth: Makes light sources feel like they are “bleeding” into the scene.
- Cinematic Appeal: Gives photos a high-budget, movie-poster aesthetic.
What’s New in the Lightroom Glow Presets?
Adobe has recently integrated advanced AI-powered masking into their preset engine. The new “Glow” presets aren’t just simple filters; they are intelligent adjustments that recognize light sources.
1. Adaptive Highlighting
Unlike old presets that washed out the entire image, the new Neo-Glow presets use Select Sky or Select Background AI to apply the glow only where it makes sense—around street lamps, windows, or the sun.
2. Texture and Clarity Sliders
The secret to the glow isn’t just adding blur; it’s the manipulation of the Texture and Clarity sliders into negative values. The new presets balance these to maintain detail in the eyes while softening the surrounding environment.
3. Dehaze for Dreaminess
By subtly lowering the Dehaze tool, these presets create a “foggy” or “dreamy” look that adds volume to the air in your photos.
How to Install and Use Glow Presets
If you’ve just downloaded or created your Glow presets, here is how to get the most out of them:
Step 1: Import the Presets
- Open Lightroom (Mobile or Desktop).
- Go to the Presets panel.
- Click the three dots (or plus icon) and select Import Presets.
- Choose your
.xmpor.dngfiles.
Step 2: Choose the Right Base
Glow effects work best on photos with strong light sources. Night street photography with neon signs or “Golden Hour” portraits are the perfect candidates.
Step 3: Adjust the Intensity
The new Lightroom update allows you to use a Preset Amount Slider. If the glow is too intense, simply slide it down to 50% to find that sweet spot between reality and fantasy.
Top 5 Creative Styles Using Glow Presets
1. The Cyberpunk Neon
Designed for cityscapes. This preset boosts magentas and cyans while adding a heavy bloom to neon signs. It turns a dark alley into a scene from Blade Runner.
2. The Golden Hour Dream
Perfect for weddings and outdoor portraits. It emphasizes the “rim light” around a subject’s hair, creating a halo effect that looks angelic and high-end.
3. Soft Film Noir
A black-and-white preset that focuses on high contrast and diffused highlights. It mimics the look of 1940s Hollywood cinema.
4. The Pastel Glow
Great for lifestyle photography. It raises the blacks (faded look) and adds a soft, warm glow to whites, making the image look like a soft memory.
5. Retro Vaporwave
For those who love the 80s. It combines a hazy glow with grain and chromatic aberration for a truly lo-fi, vintage aesthetic.
Why You Should Use Presets Instead of Manual Editing
While manual editing gives you control, Glow Presets provide a consistent “brand look.” If you are a social media influencer or a professional photographer, consistency is what gets you noticed by the Google and Instagram algorithms. Using a dedicated set of presets ensures that your entire portfolio feels cohesive.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Visuals Today
The new Lightroom Glow Effect presets are more than just a trend—they are a powerful tool for emotional storytelling. By softening the harsh edges of digital photography, you invite your viewers into a world that feels more like a dream than a document.
Whether you are editing on your phone or a high-end PC, these presets will save you hours of masking and fine-tuning. It’s time to stop taking photos and start creating art.
Ready to try it out? Explore the latest Neo-Glow packs and watch your engagement soar.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Do these presets work on Lightroom Mobile? Yes! The new .xmp and .dng formats are fully compatible with Lightroom CC on Android and iOS.
Q2: Will the glow effect make my photos blurry? If used correctly, no. The presets are designed to keep the “subject” sharp while only diffusing the “highlights.”
Q3: Can I use these for commercial work? Absolutely. The glow effect is highly sought after in fashion and product photography to give a “luxury” feel.
